Korean cuisine is a delightful mixture of Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese cuisine, having its own unique style. Usually, the food is considered quite healthy. But about its calorie content, We cannot simply answer yes or no.
It varies depending on the specific dishes and ingredients used in the meal. However, some foods like kimchi and sauteed vegetables are low in calories, while Korean barbecue or Fried dishes hold high-calorie content.
Here, we have specified the calories of Korean food to help you note the calories you consume through the help of the following chart
Is Korean Food High In Calories
Korean food, like the cuisine of many nations, offers a diverse range of meals, some of which are heavier in calories than others. Korean food’s calorie content is determined by various factors such as the products used, cooking methods, and portion sizes. Here’s a quick rundown:
Varied selection: Korean cuisine contains a wide variety of meals, ranging from lighter alternatives like kimchi (fermented vegetables) and vegetable-based banchan (side dishes) to heartier dishes like bulgogi (marinated and grilled beef) and bibimbap (rice mixed with vegetables and often meat or tofu).
Rice and Noodles: Rice and noodles are staples in many Korean dishes. Rice is a source of carbs, yet it is low in fat. The calorie count of noodles varies depending on whether they are served in a broth-based soup or stir-fried with various additions.
Protein: Beef, hog, chicken, shellfish, and tofu are all protein sources in Korean cuisine. These dishes’ calorie value is determined by how they are prepared and seasoned. Grilled or steamed foods have fewer calories than fried or heavily sauced foods.
Banchan (Side Dishes): Korean meals are usually accompanied by a variety of banchan, small side dishes served family-style. Some banchan are low in calories, such as kimchi and pickled vegetables, while others, such as pan-fried pancakes, can be heavy in calories.
Spices and Sauces: Korean cuisine is recognized for its robust flavors, generally obtained through spicy seasonings and sauces. While these can add flavor to dishes, some sauces and marinades may have extra sugars or fats, adding to the overall calorie count.
Portion Sizes: As with any cuisine, portion sizes affect the calorie content of a meal. Larger servings have more calories by definition than smaller ones.
| Food Name | Calories Count | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Tteokbokki | 350 – 450 calories | 1 cup |
| Kimbap | 200 – 300 calories | 1 roll |
| Korean rice cake | 150 calories | 1 cup |
| Jajangmyeon | 600 – 800 calories | 1 serving |
| Bulgogi | 250 calories | 3 ounces |
| Korean BBQ | 400 – 600 calories | 1 serving |
| Samyang noodles | 1,500 calories | 1 package |
| Beef bulgogi | 250 calories | 3 ounces |
| Kimchi pancake | 200 calories | 1 pancake |
| Korean fish cake | 100 calories | 2 fish cakes |
| Korean sweet potato | 100 calories | 1 medium sweet potato |
Low Calorie Korean Food
Korean foods which are low in calories:
| Food Name | Calories | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Sundubu jjigae (silken tofu stew) | 200 calories | 1 cup |
| Japchae (glass noodle stir-fry) | 250 calories | 1 cup |
| Bibimbap (rice bowl topped with vegetables, meat, and egg) | 300 calories | 1 bowl |
| Kimchi stew | 150 calories | 1 cup |
| Bulgogi (marinated beef) | 250 calories | 3 ounces |
| Fish cake soup | 100 calories | 1 cup |
| Tteokguk (rice cake soup) | 150 calories | 1 cup |
| Kimchi pancake | 100 calories | 1 pancake |
| Korean sweet potato | 100 calories | 1 medium sweet potato |
| Steamed vegetables | 30 calories | 1 cup |
| Brown rice | 160 calories | 1 cup |
Low Calorie Korean Snacks
Here are some low-calorie Korean snacks to chop on
| Snack Name | Calories | Serving Size |
|---|---|---|
| Tteokbokki | 350 – 450 calories | 1 cup |
| Kimbap | 200 – 300 calories | 1 roll |
| Yakgwa | 250 calories | 10 cookies |
| Dalgona | 100 calories | 1 piece |
| Gangjeong | 150 calories | 10 crackers |
| Honey Butter Chips | 550 calories | 1 bag |
| Pepero | 150 calories | 1 stick |
| Bungeoppang | 200 calories | 1 pancake |
| Hobaekjuk | 150 calories | 1 cup |
Is Korean Food Healthy to Eat Every Day?
Yes, the traditional Korean food is healthy to eat every day. It usually revolves around vegetables and fermented foods like kimchi, soups, rice meat, and seafood.
The healthy choices include kimchi, seasoned vegetable side dishes, bibimbap, konggusku, and many others. But keep in mind that Korean foods are usually high in salt, and some dishes might have higher calories.
The plants used as food were examined for their medical effect in a scientific study at Korean Buddhist temples from 1997 to 2002. Medicinal plants have been discovered to be effective in treating digestive, circulatory, and respiratory illnesses.
Because well-fermented kimchi is sour, it is good for the gallbladder and liver. Kimchi contains vitamins A, B, and C and Lactobacillus, a probiotic. Probiotics promote digestion, enhance the immune system, improve vitamin absorption, and filter out harmful bacteria or toxins. They have also been connected to cholesterol reduction.
Korean Vs Thai Food
| Korean Food | Thai Food |
| Korean cuisine is more earthy, with a heavy emphasis on pickled items (particularly KimChee) and braised meats. Kimchi (preserved vegetables) plays an essential role in Korean cuisine. There are numerous spicy meals, but they differ from Thai ones because Korean dishes are sweeter and hot. Both rely on rice as a base and coal grilling as a cooking method. | Thai cuisine incorporates a variety of tropical spices, fruits, coconut milk, spicy chilies, and a variety of seafood items. Thai cuisine extensively uses fresh herbs (lemon grass, Thai basil, cilantro, etc.) and coconut milk. On the other hand, these items are not widely used in Korean cuisine. Thai food also includes a variety of curry dishes, making it even more unique. |
Conclusion
To sum up, Korean food offers diverse flavours and meals with various calorie counts. While some Korean cuisine, such as tteokbokki and certain barbecue dishes, are high in calories, many traditional options are low in calories, emphasising vegetables, fermented foods like kimchi, and lean proteins.
When chosen carefully, this balance makes Korean food a healthy choice for everyday consumption. The presence of probiotic-rich foods, such as kimchi, increases its nutritional value by aiding digestion and immune system support.
However, portion control and mindful choices are required to truly enjoy the health advantages of Korean food, like with any cuisine.
On the other hand, Thai food is based on a tropical taste fusion that includes fresh herbs and coconut milk. Portion control is required because of the high sugar and coconut milk content.
When making careful choices, both cuisines may be enjoyed healthily and offer unique culinary adventures enhanced by different cultural backgrounds.